Operating device for a bicycle

ABSTRACT

An operating device for a bicycle that includes a fixing member that is adapted to be fixed to a bicycle handlebar and includes an adjustment portion, and a housing that includes first, second and third members. The first member and the second member define an adjustment space therebetween and the third member fixes the first member and the second member to each other without passing through the adjustment portion. The adjustment portion of the fixing member is at least partially received in the adjustment space such that the adjustment portion is adjustable relative to the housing in at least a first adjustment direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an operating device for a bicycle, andmore particularly to an operating device that includes an adjustablehousing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are known bicycle operating devices for operating various aspectsof the bicycle, such as shifting or braking. For example, some shiftingdevices are electric powered and configured such that they can becontrolled electrically so as to change among a plurality of gearpositions. Other shifting devices are mechanical in operation andconfigured to operate a Borden type cable, for example. These types ofdevices can be mounted to a handlebar. Regardless of the type of device,due to the differences in the size of riders' hands, it is desirable toprovide adjustability of the positioning of the operating members orlevers.

In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved bicycleoperating device. This invention addresses this need in the art as wellas other needs, which will become apparent from this disclosure to thoseskilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided an operating device for a bicycle that comprises a fixingmember that is adapted to be fixed to a bicycle handlebar and includesan adjustment portion, and a housing that includes first, second andthird members. The first member and the second member define anadjustment space therebetween. The third member fixes the first memberand the second member to each other without passing through theadjustment portion. The adjustment portion of the fixing member is atleast partially received in the adjustment space such that theadjustment portion is adjustable relative to the housing in at least afirst adjustment direction.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the first aspect is configured so that thefirst adjustment direction is parallel to an axis defined by the bicyclehandlebar when the operating device is mounted on the bicycle handlebar.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the second aspect is configured so thatthe housing is configured to be adjustable relative to the fixing memberin a second adjustment direction.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the third aspect is configured so that thesecond direction is perpendicular to the first adjustment direction.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the first aspect further comprises atleast one protrusion provided on one of the adjustment portion and thehousing, and at least one recess provided on the other of the adjustmentportion and the housing.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the fifth aspect is configured so that therecess extends in the first adjustment direction so as to slidablyreceive the protrusion in the first adjustment direction.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the sixth aspect is configured so that theadjustment portion or the housing includes a plurality of recesses, andthe protrusion can be selectively received in different recesses suchthat the housing is displaceable relative to the fixing member in asecond adjustment direction.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the seventh aspect is configured so thatthe first adjustment direction is parallel to an axis defined by thebicycle handlebar when the operating device is mounted on the bicyclehandlebar.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the eighth aspect is configured so thatthe second direction is perpendicular to the first adjustment direction.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the fifth aspect is configured so that theadjustment portion or the housing includes a plurality of recesses, andthe protrusion can be selectively received in one of the recesses suchthat the housing is displaceable relative to the fixing member in thefirst adjustment direction or a second adjustment direction.

In accordance with a eleventh aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the fifth aspect is configured so that theprotrusion is provided on the adjustment portion and the recess isprovided on the first member of the housing, and the first member isconfigured to accommodate an operating unit.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the first aspect further comprises anoperating unit that includes first and second operating membersoperatively coupled thereto.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the twelfth aspect is configured so thatthe first and second operating members are trigger levers that aremovable between a rest position and an operating position, respectively.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the first aspect is configured so that theadjustment portion is clamped between the first member and the secondmember.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there isprovided an operating device for a bicycle that comprises a fixingmember adapted to be fixed to a bicycle handlebar and includes anadjustment portion, and a housing including a first member and a secondmember that define an adjustment space therebetween. The adjustmentspace receives at least a portion of the adjustment portion of thefixing member such that the adjustment portion is adjustable relative tothe housing in at least a first adjustment direction and a secondadjustment direction.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the fifteenth aspect is configured so thatthe first adjustment direction is parallel to an axis defined by thebicycle handlebar when the operating device is mounted on the bicyclehandlebar, and the second direction is perpendicular to the firstadjustment direction.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating device according to the fifteenth aspect further comprises atleast one protrusion provided on one of the adjustment portion and thehousing and a plurality of recesses provided on the other of theadjustment portion and the housing. The recesses extend in the firstadjustment direction so as to slidably receive the protrusion in thefirst adjustment direction and the protrusion can be selectivelyreceived in different recesses such that the housing is displaceablerelative to the fixing member in the second adjustment direction.

The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof,may be best understood by reference to the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operating device in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is an elevational view of the operating device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is an elevational view of the operating device of FIG. 1 showingthe position of the housing adjusted in a first adjustment directionwhen compared to FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an elevational view of the operating device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4D is an elevational view of the operating device of FIG. 1 showingthe position of the housing adjusted in a second adjustment directionwhen compared to FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4E is an elevational view of the operating device of FIG. 1 showingdifferent possible positions of the adjustment portion; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an operating device inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein to describe the present invention, the followingdirectional terms “front”, “rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”,“right”, “transverse”, “upward” and “downward” as well as any othersimilar directional terms refer to those directions which are determinedon the basis of the rider who sits on a saddle of a bicycle (not shown)with facing a bicycle handlebar 100, for example. Accordingly, theseterms, as utilized to describe the present invention should beinterpreted relative to the bicycle equipped with the present inventionas used in the normal riding position on a level surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4E, an operating device 10 that is adapted to bemounted on or attached to the bicycle handlebar 100 is illustrated inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The operatingdevice 10 generally includes a fixing member 12 and a housing 14 thatincludes first and second members 16 and 18. In a preferred embodiment,the fixing member 12 includes a fixing portion 20 and an adjustmentportion 22 (FIG. 2). The fixing portion 20 is adapted to be attached tothe bicycle handlebar 100. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing portion20 is formed as a C-shape member and is fixed to the bicycle handlebar100 by using a fastener member, e.g., a bolt (not shown). Such clampmembers are well known in the art and, therefore, other types of clampmembers or fixing portions can be used. An open clamp type fixing membercomprising two hingedly pivotable parts can be used, for example.

As is shown in FIG. 3, the first and second members 16 and 18 define anadjustment space 24 therebetween that receives at least a portion of theadjustment portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment portion22 is adjustable with respect to the housing 14 (within the adjustmentspace 24) in at least a first adjustment direction D1 and preferablyalso in a second adjustment direction D2. The adjustment portion 22 ispreferably clamped between the first and second members 16 and 18. Tosecure the adjustment portion 22 in a desired position, the housing 14includes at least one third member 26 that secures or fixes the firstmember 16 and the second member 18 to each other. In a preferredembodiment, the third members 26 are threaded fasteners or bolts thatextend from the first member 16 to the second member 18 (or vice versa)and are screwed into the second member 18 so as to clamp the adjustmentportion 22 therebetween. In another embodiment, the third member can bea protrusion or protrusions provided one of the first and second membersto snap-fit it to the other of the first and second members. Preferably,the third members 26 extend without passing through the adjustmentportion 22, which allows the adjustment portion 22 to be adjustable inat least the first adjustment direction D1 without having to remove thethird members 26 from the housing 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the fixing member 12includes a neck portion 28 extending between the fixing portion 20 andthe adjustment portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of theneck portion 28 that is immediately adjacent the adjustment portion 22is thicker than the adjustment space 24. This prevents the neck portion28 from extending into the adjustment space 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4E, in a preferred embodiment, adjustability isprovided by complementary protrusions 30 and channels or recesses 32. Itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the protrusions 30and recesses 32 can be disposed on the adjustment portion 22 and/or thehousing 14. Furthermore, the protrusions 30 and recesses 32 can beformed or positioned on either or both sides of the adjustment portion32 and on the inside surface of either or both of the first and secondmembers 16 and 18. In the figures, the protrusions 30 are formed on theadjustment portion 22 and the recesses 32 are formed on the first member16 of the housing 14. However, this is not a limitation on the presentinvention. Further, in the figures, the number of the protrusions 30 isthree and the number of the recesses 32 is five. However, this is not alimitation on the present invention. The recess(es) 32 can be providedin at least the same number as the protrusion(s) 30. However, there arepreferably more recesses 32 than protrusions 30 to achieve theadjustability described below. Any number of recesses 32 and protrusions30 are within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the recesses 32 are elongated and extend in aparallel direction with respect to each other such that the recesses 32allow the protrusion 30 to slide therealong. In its simplest form, asingle protrusion 30 can be slidably received in a single recess 32,thereby allowing adjustability in a first adjustment direction D1parallel to the length of the recess 32.

In a preferred embodiment, the first member 16 includes more recesses 32than the protrusions 30 of the adjustment portion 22. This allowsadjustability in a second adjustment direction D2 that is generallyperpendicular to the first adjustment direction D1.

Adjustment of the position of the housing 14 with respect to the fixingmember 12 when the fixing portion 20 is fixed to a bicycle handlebar 100will now be described. FIGS. 4A-4E show the housing 14 (and componentsthereof) positioned at a plurality of different locations with respectto the fixing member 12.

FIGS. 4A-4B demonstrate adjustment in the first adjustment direction D1.In FIG. 4B it can be seen that the entire housing member 14 has moved inthe first adjustment direction D1 (specifically, it has moved to arider's left) compared to FIG. 4A (as the fixing members 12 are lined upvertically in FIGS. 4A and 4B). This is done by loosening the thirdmembers 26, and moving the housing 14 to the left, such that theprotrusions 30 slide within the recesses 32 to the desired position, andthen retightening the third members 26 to clamp the adjustment portion22 between the first and second members 16 and 18 within the adjustmentspace 24.

FIGS. 4C-4D demonstrate adjustment in the second adjustment directionD2. In

FIG. 4D it can be seen that the entire housing member 14 has moved inthe second adjustment direction D2 (specifically, it has moved forwardwith respect to a rider) compared to FIG. 4C (as the fixing members 12are lined up horizontally in FIGS. 4C and 4D). This is done by looseningthe third members 26, moving the first member 16 and the second member18 with respect to each other so that the protrusions 30 can bedisplaceable to different recesses 32, moving the housing 14 forwardlywith respect to the fixing member 12 so as to align the protrusions 30with different recesses 32, placing the first and second members 16 and18 back together, and then retightening the third members 26 to clampthe adjustment portion 22 between the first and second members 16 and 18within the adjustment space 24.

FIG. 4E shows within a single figure a combination of adjustment in thefirst adjustment direction D1 and the second adjustment direction D2,which results in diagonal adjustability. Accordingly, it will beappreciated by those of skill in the art that providing adjustability inthe two different directions provides a wide range of adjustability froma first position (represented by the adjustment portion 22 that includesthe fixing portion 20) to any second position (represented by theadjustment portion labeled 22 a).

As is shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, in a preferred embodiment, the firstadjustment direction D1 is parallel to an axis Al defined by the bicyclehandlebar 100 when the operating device 10 is mounted on a bicyclehandlebar 100 and the second adjustment direction D2 is perpendicular tothe first adjustment direction D1. However, this is not a limitation onthe present invention.

In a preferred embodiment the operating device 10 includes first andsecond operating members 34 a and 34 b that are operatively coupled tothe housing 14. Preferably, the first and second operating members 34 aand 34 b are part of an operating unit 36 that is coupled to the firstmember 16. The operating members 34 a and 34 b can be used, for example,for shifting gears on a bicycle. In a preferred embodiment, the firstand second operating members 34 a and 34 b are trigger levers that aremovable between a rest position and an operating position.

FIG. 5 shows an operating device 10 a which is another preferredembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the elongatedrecesses and protrusions are omitted and are replaced by recesses 38 andprotrusions 40. It will be understood that recesses 38 and protrusions40 do not provide sliding adjustability. Instead, adjustment is providedby removing or loosening the second member 18 and moving the protrusions40 to a different set of recesses 38. In this embodiment, adjustment canbe made in both the first adjustment direction D1 and the secondadjustment direction D2 by selectively moving the protrusions 40 intodifferent recesses 38. In its simplest form, a single protrusion 40 anda plurality of recesses 38 are provided and the protrusion 40 can bemoved from one recess 38 to another recess 38 to provide adjustability.The recesses 38 and protrusions 40 can be any shape provided a male andfemale relationship exists between the two.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including,” “having” and theirderivatives. The term “mounted” or “mounting,” as used herein,encompasses configurations in which an element directly secured toanother element by affixing the element is directly to the otherelement; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured tothe other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s)which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations inwhich one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This definition also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“attached”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Also, the terms“part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in thesingular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality ofparts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”). Accordingly, theapplicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. An operating device for a bicycle, the operating device comprising: afixing member adapted to be fixed to a bicycle handlebar, wherein thefixing member includes an adjustment portion, and a housing including afirst member, a second member and a third member, wherein the firstmember and the second member define an adjustment space therebetween,wherein the third member fixes the first member and the second member toeach other without passing through the adjustment portion, wherein theadjustment portion of the fixing member is at least partially receivedin the adjustment space such that the adjustment portion is adjustablerelative to the housing in at least a first adjustment direction.
 2. Theoperating device of claim 1 wherein the first adjustment direction isparallel to an axis defined by the bicycle handlebar when the operatingdevice is mounted on the bicycle handlebar.
 3. The operating device ofclaim 2 wherein the housing is configured to be adjustable relative tothe fixing member in a second adjustment direction.
 4. The operatingdevice of claim 3 wherein the second direction is perpendicular to thefirst adjustment direction.
 5. The operating device of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one protrusion provided on one of the adjustmentportion and the housing, and at least one recess provided on the otherof the adjustment portion and the housing.
 6. The operating device ofclaim 5 wherein the recess extends in the first adjustment direction soas to slidably receive the protrusion in the first adjustment direction.7. The operating device of claim 6 wherein the adjustment portion or thehousing includes a plurality of recesses, and wherein the protrusion canbe selectively received in one of the recesses such that the housing isdisplaceable relative to the fixing member in a second adjustmentdirection.
 8. The operating device of claim 7 wherein the firstadjustment direction is parallel to an axis defined by the bicyclehandlebar when the operating device is mounted on the bicycle handlebar.9. The operating device of claim 8 wherein the second direction isperpendicular to the first adjustment direction.
 10. The operatingdevice of claim 5 wherein the adjustment portion or the housing includesa plurality of recesses, and wherein the protrusion can be selectivelyreceived in one of the recesses such that the housing is displaceablerelative to the fixing member in the first adjustment direction or asecond adjustment direction.
 11. The operating device of claim 5 whereinthe protrusion is provided on the adjustment portion and the recess isprovided on the first member of the housing, and wherein the firstmember is configured to accommodate an operating unit.
 12. The operatingdevice of claim 1 further comprising an operating unit that includes afirst operating member operatively coupled thereto and a secondoperating member operatively coupled thereto.
 13. The operating deviceof claim 12 wherein the first operating member comprises a trigger leverthat is movable between a rest position and an operating position, andwherein the second operating member comprises a trigger lever that ismovable between a rest position and an operating position.
 14. Theoperating device of claim 1 wherein the adjustment portion is clampedbetween the first member and the second member.
 15. An operating devicefor a bicycle, the operating device comprising: a fixing member adaptedto be fixed to a bicycle handlebar, wherein the fixing member includesan adjustment portion, and a housing including a first member and asecond member that define an adjustment space therebetween, wherein theadjustment space receives at least a portion of the adjustment portionof the fixing member such that the adjustment portion is adjustablerelative to the housing in at least a first adjustment direction and asecond adjustment direction.
 16. The operating device of claim 15wherein the first adjustment direction is parallel to an axis defined bythe bicycle handlebar when the operating device is mounted on thebicycle handlebar, and wherein the second direction is perpendicular tothe first adjustment direction.
 17. The operating device of claim 15further comprising at least one protrusion provided on one of theadjustment portion and the housing, and a plurality of recesses providedon the other of the adjustment portion and the housing, wherein therecesses extend in the first adjustment direction so as to slidablyreceive the protrusion in the first adjustment direction, and whereinthe protrusion can be selectively received in one of the recesses suchthat the housing is displaceable relative to the fixing member in thesecond adjustment direction.